Doha: Qatar football heavyweights Al Sadd SC announced yesterday that former Qatar national team coach Felix Sanchez would be their new head coach. The Spaniard, who famously guided Al Annabi to triumph at the AFC Asian Cup 2019, has signed a two-year contract with the reigning Qatar Stars League champions, the club said in a statement yesterday. “The 48-year-old Sanchez will begin his coaching duties with the Wolves during their pre-season training camp which is currently being held in Malaga, Spain, which will continue until July 29,” the club said.
The Barcelona-born Sanchez began his coaching career at the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy, La Masia. Following his stint at Barcelona Academy from 1996 to 2006, Sanchez moved to Aspire Academy in Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in nurturing and identifying young talents. In 2013, he was appointed as the head coach of the Qatar U-19 team.
Under his guidance, the Qatari juniors won the 2014 AFC U-19 Cup, marking a significant milestone in his career and the country’s football. In 2017, he was appointed as the head coach of Qatar’s U-23 team while also taking over as the head coach of the Qatar senior side, replacing Uruguayan Jorge Fossati. During his five-year stint with Al Annabi seniors, Sanchez earned wide recognition as a world-class coach.
His most notable achievement came when he led Qatar to a historic victory in the AFC Asian Cup, defeating Japan 3-1 in the final. It was Qatar’s first major intern.